New Wachusett Beer Benefits United Way Coronavirus Funds

WESTMINSTER, MA — One of the state's oldest craft breweries launched a new beer this week to raise money for United Way organizations responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

Wachusett Brewing Co.'s Glory American IPA went on sale Tuesday in partnership with Atlas Distributing. Wachusett will donate $1 from each six-pack to the coronavirus relief funds being managed by the United Way of Central Massachusetts (Worcester), the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the United Way of North Central Massachusetts (Fitchburg), and the United Way of Tri-County (Framingham).

Those organizations are accepting donations to support community groups that are responding to the crisis, like food banks.

In March at the beginning of the outbreak, the United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation partnered with the city of Worcester to create the Worcester Together Fund. The fund has so far raised $4.2 million to help businesses and local residents struggling during the pandemic.

Other local breweries are also mounting charitable efforts during the pandemic. Jack's Abby in Framingham recently added a feature to its website allowing anyone to donate the brewery's pizza to either MetroWest Medical Center, Daniel's Table, or United Way of Tri-County.

Glory IPA was actually released several months ago under the name IPA X. The brewery planned to release the IPA this year anyway, but then coronavirus hit, Wachusett President Christian McMahan told the Worcester Telegram. The brewery decided to turn the launch into a larger community effort.

The brewery describes Glory as a "crushable modern style IPA loaded with hops that provide an aroma of mango, pineapple, and pear."

The beer will go on sale Tuesday, and you can find out where to buy it on the Wachusett Brewing website.